Att 3 - Floral Policy.docx

FLORAL/GROUNDS POLICY

ALEXANDRIA NATIONAL CEMETERY

1. FRESH CUT FLOWERS are allowed at any time for placement on gravesites. Cemetery/Contractor personnel will remove live flowers from gravesites when they become unsightly.

2. ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS shall be permitted on graves during the periods of October 10 through April 15 and 10 days before through days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day. Potted plants are only allowed 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.

3. POTTED PLANTS AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

· Easter, Memorial Day & Mothers Day - floral decorations may be placed from the Thursday prior to the holiday and must be removed by the Sunday following the holiday.

· Holiday decorations and holiday wreaths (18" in diameter or smaller), may be placed on graves from Thanksgiving through January 15.

· Grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves form December 1 through January 20. They may not be secured to headstone or markers. Grave floral blankets may not be larger in size than 2x3.

4. UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS

· Statues, vigil lights, permanent plantings, any glass object, commemorative items, memorabilia, pinwheels, balloons, any political affiliated items or signs, shepherds hooks and any grave decoration taller than the headstone.

· The Department of Veterans Affairs does not permit adornments that are considered offensive, inconsistent with the dignity of the cemetery or considered hazardous to cemetery personnel. For example, items incorporating beads or wires may become entangled in mowers or other equipment and cause injury.

· These items will be removed and disposed of upon discovery.

5. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you mark anything you leave on the gravesite with section and grave number. If the weather or wildlife relocates your items, the tag allows us to place authorized items back on the intended gravesite.